Can you sue if you are injured in a haunted house?
It’s the Halloween season, which means pumpkin spice lattes, jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and haunted houses. There’s no doubt that haunted house attractions can be a lot of fun. By their very nature, though, haunted houses can be dangerous. After all, the entire concept is based around people being scared while walking around in the dark. If you are injured while enjoying a haunted house, you might be entitled to compensation. Discuss your claim with the expert personal injury attorneys at the John Mobley Law Firm.
Foreseeable risk of harm
State laws hold haunted house owners to a duty of care, which means they must take reasonable steps to protect visitors from harm. For example, tripping over an extension cord is a foreseeable risk, so attraction owners are required to provide a clear walkway for guests. If you are injured because you tripped over a cord or object left by workers at the haunted house, you might be entitled to compensation because of their negligence. If, however, you are injured in an area that is clearly marked as “employees only,” you might not have a case. A guest being injured in a work area is not a foreseeable risk.
Sometimes, haunted house guests have to sign a liability waiver, saying they cannot sue in the event of injury. Many waivers are not specific enough, which leaves room for you to pursue compensation. Even if you signed a waiver, consult your attorney if you are injured.
Evidence is vital
If you are injured by the negligence of a haunted house owner or employee, you might have a legitimate claim for compensation. To receive that compensation, you’ll need proof. Be sure to do the following:
- Ask to see the manager. Get names and contact information of the owners and insurance company.
- Get a written report. The haunted house operators will provide a written incident report.
- Take photos and/or video of the area and your injuries.
- Get contact information of anyone who witnessed the incident.
- Seek immediate medical treatment and keep detailed medical records.
- Consult your experienced personal injury attorney at John Mobley Law Firm.
We hope you have a fun – and safe – Halloween season. If, however, you are injured by someone else’s negligence at a haunted house attraction, contact the John Mobley Law Firm for a free initial consultation.